Grace Episcopal curate is let go

Saturday

Apr 12, 2014 at 12:01 AMApr 12, 2014 at 5:57 AM

NEW BEDFORD — The Rev. Jason Lucas, curate at Grace Episcopal Church, has been released by the church for an undisclosed reason, according to an email sent to church members late Thursday by the priest in charge, Rev. Christopher Morck.

STEVE URBON

NEW BEDFORD — The Rev. Jason Lucas, curate at Grace Episcopal Church, has been released by the church for an undisclosed reason, according to an email sent to church members late Thursday by the priest in charge, Rev. Christopher Morck.

"We want you to know that we have released the Rev. Jason Lucas from his curacy at Grace Church. This will allow him to immediately look for a call in another parish," Morck wrote. "We truly feel that this will be good for Jason who will be able to find the best placement as he grows into his vocation as a priest."

Morck went on to write that "We understand that many will have legitimate questions about Jason's departure. Please know that the diocese was consulted during this process. To preserve confidentiality, our response to questions will need to be limited, though it bears mentioning that no misconduct occurred."

Morck ended by writing "We are deeply grateful for the gifts which Jason has brought to our parish."

Morck told The Standard-Times Friday that Lucas, 34, was beloved by the church members in the nine months he has been in the city.

But he said little more about his release, citing confidentiality. It is "so important for him and for us and for the process," Morck said.

"Jason is deeply loved in the community. He's done great work and has many gifts in the ministry, and he brought those gifts to Grace. He has truly blessed us," Morck said.

"It was a long process and a lot of prayer and dialogue and consultation went into that. God is going to work this through for Jason," he said.